My Boy Jack

By Rudyard Kipling

Ballad
Have you news of my boy Jack?" Not this tide. "When d'you think that he'll come back?" Not with this wind blowing, and this tide. "Has any one else had word of him?:" Not this tide. For what is sunk will hardly swim, Not with this wind blowing, and this tide. "Oh, dear, what comfort can I find?" None this tide, Nor any tide, Except he did not shame his kind, Not even with that wind blowing, and that tide. Then hold your head up all the more, This tide, And every tide; Because he was the son you bore, And gave to that wind blowing and that tide!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This deeply poignant poem explores themes of loss, longing, and the brutal reality of sacrifice. It is set against the backdrop of nature's relentless cycles, symbolized by the recurring motifs of the wind and tide. The repetition of these elements serves to underscore the unchanging reality of the protagonist's situation, evoking a sense of despair and inevitability.

The poem's structure and tone also contribute significantly to its impact. A question-and-answer format is employed, reflecting a dialogue between the protagonist, presumably a grieving mother, and an omniscient narrator. This enhances the emotional intensity of the piece, while simultaneously providing a detached perspective on the situation. The tone is somber and melancholic, reflecting the protagonist's grief, yet it also contains a stoic acceptance of loss. This is particularly evident in the final stanza, where the protagonist is advised to hold her head up because her son did not 'shame his kind', suggesting a pride in his sacrifice, despite the pain it has caused.

Among the literary devices employed, the poem's excellent use of imagery stands out. The constantly 'blowing wind' and changing 'tide' serve as stark, vivid metaphors for the unpredictable and often harsh nature of life. This, combined with the poem's emotionally charged dialogue and mournful tone, creates a powerful reading experience that resonantly explores the human capacity for resilience in the face of profound loss.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.